About

R.Sleigh at his former shop in Philipsburg, PA

I started playing the harmonica when I was 12 – Bob Dylan riffs on a rack while I played the guitar. I was 17 when I made the transition to harmonica obsession. It was Sonny Terry followed by a double record set called “The story of the Blues” that did it for me. John Lee Williamson, Rice Miller, Little Walter, and Jimmy Reed were some of the first major influences on my playing. I tried to quit a couple of times when I got too frustrated with the instrument, but it always called me back.

Various experimental wreckage on top of a vintage tuning table base

One of the great joys of my life has been to be involved in the development and creation of high performance harmonicas. Exploring the harmonica with Joe Filisko and other characters (that I will write more about in the future) has given my life a sense of adventure and purpose that really comes together when I have a chance to play a great gig. The harmonica has become my life path and I do the best I can with what I’ve got. This instrument has pushed me beyond what I thought I could do over and over again in all sorts of ways, including becoming an entrepreneur.

I hope that it brings out the best in you as well.

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  • Testimonials

    Dear Mr. Sleigh, It’s been a few months since I bought your book. Today I was able to alter the tuning on a couple of my harmonicas. Nothing fancy, just Paddy Richter tuning. I am just so pleased with the book, the instruction is so clear: the graphics are well drawn and the text is to the point and easy to read. Prior to attempting this, I had no experience working on harmonicas. So far, I have learned with your book how to set up my harmonicas to play well (reed offset, etc) and now how to alter the tuning to fit my own needs. That is just great!. I also have found your videos on youtube very easy to follow and very informative. I would like to thank you for the effort you have put into the book, I can tell you truly love what you do! ---- PS- In the past, I thought the price of the book was a little high but I no longer do, I believe it is worth it’s weight in gold! — Franklin A. Villanueva Ironwood, M

    Hi Richard, I just read your article re: Just Intonation. It’s the first time I’ve read an understandable explanation. It was concise. I am slowly going through your book, “Turbocharge Your Harmonica”, which I purchased from you at SPAH’s ’09 convention, and it, too, is pretty easy to follow. I am just beginning to try my hand at rejuvenating my old collection of diatonics, so understanding what method I’m trying to tune for is important. Thanks for putting it out there. Regards, — Doug Parrish